How a Jewish couple Solomon and Esther Ueberall saved St. Lucy's in Brooklyn
07/29/24 • 8 min
How can one family's compassion and resolve shape the destiny of an entire community? Join us as we sit down with Vincent Magano to uncover the awe-inspiring tale of Solomon and Esther Ueberall, whose extraordinary acts of kindness not only saved St. Lucy's Church but also saved lives during the darkest days of World War II. Through Vincent's vivid recollections and his compelling book, "The Third Attic," we journey back to mid-20th century Brooklyn and explore how the Uberalls' generosity in 1913 paved the way for the rescue of 24 relatives from Austria, with the indispensable help of Father Caruana.
This episode is more than a historical account; it's a moving chronicle of faith, community, and the enduring power of human goodness. We delve into the lasting legacy of the Uberall family's acts of kindness, immortalized by the symbolic Star of David grates in St. Lucy's ceiling. These poignant gestures by the Italian community serve as timeless reminders of unity and compassion. Tune in for a conversation that bridges history and heartfelt memories, and discover how acts of kindness can transcend time and continue to inspire.
Vincent Manago reminisces on a boyhood in 1950s and 1960s Brooklyn.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
How can one family's compassion and resolve shape the destiny of an entire community? Join us as we sit down with Vincent Magano to uncover the awe-inspiring tale of Solomon and Esther Ueberall, whose extraordinary acts of kindness not only saved St. Lucy's Church but also saved lives during the darkest days of World War II. Through Vincent's vivid recollections and his compelling book, "The Third Attic," we journey back to mid-20th century Brooklyn and explore how the Uberalls' generosity in 1913 paved the way for the rescue of 24 relatives from Austria, with the indispensable help of Father Caruana.
This episode is more than a historical account; it's a moving chronicle of faith, community, and the enduring power of human goodness. We delve into the lasting legacy of the Uberall family's acts of kindness, immortalized by the symbolic Star of David grates in St. Lucy's ceiling. These poignant gestures by the Italian community serve as timeless reminders of unity and compassion. Tune in for a conversation that bridges history and heartfelt memories, and discover how acts of kindness can transcend time and continue to inspire.
Vincent Manago reminisces on a boyhood in 1950s and 1960s Brooklyn.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Born in Italy adopted in America Santo Marabella's Heartfelt Journey of Adoption and Reunion
Could you imagine uncovering your roots halfway around the world? This episode brings you the heartfelt story of Santo Marabella, who was born in Aosta, Italy, and adopted by a loving family in America. Santo sheds light on his early life at the Instituto Asistenza Materna e Infantile and the touching way his adoptive parents, Anna and Sam Marabella, revealed his adoption to him. We also dive into the historical context of the "baby scoop" era, during which thousands of Italian babies found new homes in America, adding a layer of emotional and historical depth to Santo's journey.
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The journey doesn’t stop there. Santo opens up about the profound grief and healing process following the loss of his adoptive parents and a beloved pet. Volunteering at an animal shelter and reconnecting with his Italian family became pivotal in his healing journey. Explore themes of belonging, identity, and the importance of understanding one's ancestry, as Santo uncovers fascinating connections to both American and Italian heritage. This episode celebrates the joy of discovering personal stories and the powerful bonds formed through family ties and adoption.
Italian Roots and Genealogy is proud to share that Santo D. Marabella, adoptee born in Italy in 1961, is producing a first-person documentary about his adoption, called Il Mio Posto a Tavola (My Place at the Table). His journey will build into a broader story about the universal need to belong and what can get in the way for each person, adoptees and non-adoptees alike, of finding your “place at the table.”
Santo’s team, lead by Tracy Schott,filmmaker and social worker, are pleased to announce that they will be filming in Italy this September with members of Santo’s Italian family and his American “family” who are accompanying him on the trip!
You can view the work-in-progress of the film here: https://vimeo.com/984296330/5027660402?share=copy
For more information on the project and how you can support it, click: IlMioPostoFilm.com
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Italian Roots and Genealogy - How a Jewish couple Solomon and Esther Ueberall saved St. Lucy's in Brooklyn
Transcript
Hi , this is Bob Sorrentino , from Italian Roots and Genealogy . I'm here today with Vincent Magano and we're going to talk about his growing up in Brooklyn in the , I guess , the 40s , 50s and 60s , and his great book about Brooklyn , the Third Attic . So welcome , Vincent . Thanks for being here , Hi , Bob .
Speaker 2Thank you for having me .
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